Lame duck

A lame duck is an elected official who has lost a re-election, but continues to hold office in-between the time of the election and the time of the inauguration of the successor. Whether officials in this position should refrain from using some or all of their powers is somewhat controversial. The term originated in the 1700's regarding stockbrokers who could not meet their debts. It was transferred to politicians in the 1860's. The term is also used more generally to include elected officials who have chosen not to run for re-election, or who are ineligible for re-election.

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Election: An election is a decision making process whereby people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. This is the usual mechanism by which a democracy fills offices in the legislature, and sometimes in the executive and judiciary, and in regional and loc...

Inauguration: An inauguration is a ceremony of formal investiture whereby an individual assumes an office or position of authority or power. The term is usually used in reference to a politician's assumption of the duties of head of state or head of government (e.g. "the President's inauguration")....

1700's: REDIRECT 18th century...

Lame duck related Images and Photos (experimental)

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